2855 Briarcliff Road NE Atlanta, Georgia 30329

Through worship, education, and service, we continue the work of Jesus.

phone: 404-636-1418 fax: 404-636-4394

Dear friends in the Lord,

Every December Google posts a list of the most frequent searches performed on their platform during the year. It gives us a peek behind the curtain of our collective curiosi-ties and anxieties. In terms of searches, 2017 now seems like a much simpler time. We were preoccupied then with iPhone 8, Meghan Markle, elf on a shelf and fidget spinners.

Not surprisingly, coronavirus and election results topped the list of Google searches we performed in 2020. Zoom, stimulus checks and unemployment benefits were right up there, too. And the pandemic prompted us to ask some questions we couldn’t have imag-ined asking in 2017: How do I cut men’s hair? How do I make hand sanitizer?

But even as 2020 led us to some new “hows”, Google reports that we searched “why” more than ever before: Why is it called COVID-19? Why is the sky red?

The quest for “why” is fundamental to human development; just listen to the unre-lenting queries of any 4-year-old. And “why” is intrinsic to our individual and collective spiritual journeys. But I think it’s a remarkable commentary on contemporary life that many people are inclined to go to Google not only with “Why is toilet paper sold out?” but also with the deeper questions of life.

The non-confessional CE (common era) began replacing AD (anno Domini, or year of the Lord) in academic circles beginning in the 17th and 18th centuries. (And the BC/AD designation certainly has its limitations: it misrepresents the birth of Jesus by several years!) But for people of faith, the end of one year and the beginning of another is an opportunity to submit ourselves once again to the Lordship of Christ. As the priest prays during the blessing of the paschal candle during the Easter Vigil: “Christ yesterday and today. The Beginning and the End. The Alpha and the Omega. All time belongs to him and all the ages.”

In Anno Domini 2021 now before us, may we ponder the whys in our hearts together, with him.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The church is sanitized by electrostatic fogger before every liturgy.

Church air is purified by bi-polar ionization.

To ensure social distancing, occupancy is limited to 25%

of the church’s capacity.

So that we remain within that limit, reservations are available online or by

calling the parish office.

Mass-goers are screened by volunteers when they arrive.

Families residing together may sit together; different households

are separated by 6 ft.

Face masks are required for everyone age 3 and older.

Congregational singing is suspended.

Holy Communion is offered under one species, and only in the hand.

Above: Christ in the House of his Parents, J. E. Millais, 1849.

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/immaculate-heart-of-mary-catholic-church-30746984764

Please pray for our loved ones who have died, especially: Leonie Lacroix, Carmen Tovar, Andy Sutherland, Margarita Santiago, Agnes Lucy Cassidy, Dr. Tirtawidjaja, Deacon Jerry Connell, Mark Moon, Sierra Komperda, Gaudencia Cruz Neri, Juan José Ortega, Teresita de Jesus, Raul Alfonso Martinez, Joyce Cooney, Catherine Joy Cooney, Henry Markwalter, Buena Hall, Pedro Roman, John Dale.

And please pray for all the sick, especially: Sarah Sweeney, Mar ie Brown, Lynn Simmons Moises Tellez, Terry Weaver, Kate Phillips, Dona Maynard, Tony Vecin, Rick Knoll, Betty Ann Pete, Polly Phillips, John Phillips, Diego Castellanos Marcia Haymans, Barbara Patterson, Gary Payne, Houston D. Smith, Jr., Aida Costner, Zoe Campo, Jeff Bush, Andy Brizendine, Yong-gee Kim, Sharon Ritter, Deborah Jacobs, Kathi Jeffrey, and Jean Pajuelos.

Mass in English Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. Saturday: 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass Sunday: 9:00 a.m.

Misas en Español Jueves: 7:00 p.m. Sabado: 6:00 p.m. Domingo: 1:30 p.m.

Reconciliation Available by appointment with a priest

Confesiones Disponible por cita con un sacerdote.

Eucharistic Adoration Thursdays 9-10:00 a.m. and 6-7:00 p.m.

Adoración al Santísimo Jueves 9-10:00 a.m. y 6-7:00 p.m.

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is available by appointment with a priest.

Catholic patients in metro area hospitals receive the sacraments from the neighbor-ing Catholic parish; priests, deacons and Eucharistic ministers from IHM will visit whenever possible. Please call the parish office if you or a family member will be hospitalized or homebound.

Office Hours /Horas de Oficina Closed until further notice

Fax Number/No. de Fax 404-636-4394

IHM School/Escuela de IHM 404-636-4488

Website/Sitio Web http://www.ihmatlanta.org

Bulletin Notices: Please submit your request by email 10 days in advance. Envíe su anuncio por correo electrónico 10 días antes: msoren@ihmatlanta.org.

Report abuse of children and vulnerable persons : 1-888-437-0764

www.facebook.com/IHMAtlanta

@IHMatl

@ihmatlanta

Sunday, December 27 THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY Sir 3:2-6, 12-14; Col 3:12-21; Luke 2:22-40

Saturday, December 26 Vigil Masses:

Sunday, December 27

4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

Carolyn Smith † Antonio Tellez Victoria †

Archbishop James P. Lyke † Leonie Lacroix † Gaudencia Cruz † All people of the parish

Monday, December 28 Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs 1 John 1:5—2:2; Matthew 2:13-18

8:30 a.m.

Smith Family

Tuesday, December 29 5th Day in the Octave of the Nativity 1 John 2:3-11; Luke 2:22-35

8:30 a.m.

Ann Barrelle

Wednesday, December 30 6th Day in the Octave of the Nativity 1 John 2:12-17; Luke 2:36-40

8:30 a.m. Betty Andrukat †

Thursday, December 31 7th Day in the Octave of the Nativity 1 John 2:18-21; John 1:1-18

8:30 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

All people of the parish

All people of the parish

No mass

Friday, January 1 SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-2

9:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

All people of the parish

All people of the parish

Saturday, January 2 Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Doctors of the Church 1 John 2:22-28; John 1:19-28

Sunday, January 3 SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD Is 60:1-6; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

Saturday, January 2 Vigil Masses:

Sunday, January 3

4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

All people of the parish Olegario Flores †

Carlene Bollinger † Dr. Tirta Widjaja † Lurdes Plazaola † Leonie Lacroix †

Masses are livestreamed at www.ihmatlanta.org/livestream.

http://www.ihmatlanta.org/livestream

IHMATLANTA.ORG

OFFERTORY Due to early printing deadline, offerto-

ry numbers are not available.

SECOND COLLECTIONS This weekend’s second collection is for Catholic Charities.

Pastor Monsignor Albert W. Jowdy ajowdy@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 235

Parochial Vicar Father Carlos G. Ortega Valera cortega@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 228

In Residence Father Jean Ikanga, S.V.D.

Deacons Deacon Bob Hauert bhauert@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 251

Deacon Erik Wilkinson ewilkinson@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 230

Receptionist/Administrative Assistant Gaby Ramirez mperales@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 221

Secretary Silvia Maldonado smaldonado@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 240

Communications Coordinator Marcela Soren msoren@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 226

Business Manager & Finance Director Richard Plachta rplachta@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 245

Bookkeeper Allen Sakon abutler@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 243

Director of Faith Formation Drew Denton ddenton@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 223

Faith Formation Coordinator Alicia Guerrero aguerrero@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 227

Youth Minister Michele McPheely mmcpheely@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 222

Faith Formation Administrative Assistant Veronica Thimann vthimann@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 236

Director of Liturgy and Music Jeff Bush jeffbush@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 247

Liturgy & Music Program Assistant Shelly White swhite@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 232

Director of Operations Dennis O’Leary doleary@ihmatlanta.org 404-636-4488 Ext. 335

Fee-based Professional Counseling is availa-ble in the Maloney Center at IHM for individ-uals, couples and families. Contact Mariane-la Matheus, M.Ed. at 678-310-8122.

ELECTRONIC GIVING OPTIONS During the present public health crisis, when the physical collections during Mass are gravely affected by reduced church attendance, online giving options abound! Go to ihmatlanta.org/online-giving-options to learn about Give by Text, GivePlus Mobile and electronic giving through our parish website. Or just scan this QR code to be taken directly to our parish PayPal account. Thank you for your good stewardship of IHM!

HAVE YOU REMEMBERED IHM IN YOUR WILL? A bequest to your parish will allow you to continue in death the Christian stew-ardship you practice in life. The Catholic Foundation of North Georgia can assist you in remembering IHM in your Will. Those who make a bequest or a planned gift to IHM become members of the parish Legacy Society and the Archdiocesan Deo Gratias Society. For more information, contact Juliette Greco of the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia at jgreco@cfnga.org or 404-497-9440.

WHAT THE CARES ACT MEANS FOR CHARITABLE GIVING The Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act creates two temporary changes to the tax treatment of charitable donations: For the 9 out of 10 people who no longer itemize their deductions, the CARES Act will allow taxpay-ers to deduct charitable donations of up to $300 “above the line” on their 2020 federal tax return, even though they take the standard deduction. Also, the CARES Act allows donors who are still able to itemize their charitable giving to deduct up to 60% of their adjusted gross income.

DEDUCTIBLE GIFT OF STOCK OR PROPERTY There are a number of ways to make an end-of-year gift that provide you with valuable benefits and help further our mission here at IHM.

If you own appreciated stock or have property that you wish to sell without paying capital gains tax, consider gifting those assets to us. You receive a charitable tax deduction for your gift. Please check with us on ways to transfer your property gift or stock to us .

YEAR-END REMINDERS Thank you in advance for your generous support of our annual Christmas collec-tion which provides a significant portion of the funds used all year long to support our many ministries and programs. This is the single most important collection of the year for the operations of Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Remember the December 31 deadline for charitable gift tax deductions. Contact Rich Plachta at 404-636-1418 ext 245 or rplachta@ihmatlanta.org for information on how to transfer stock or other assets. Checks postmarked in 2020, but delivered in 2021, can be claimed as a deduction in 2020. Statements of con-tributions to IHM for 2020, which many use for tax preparation, will be mailed by the end of January. Archbishop’s Annual Appeal statements will be sent separately by the Archdiocese.

THANK YOU for your good stewardship of IHM during 2020!

http://www.ihmatlanta.org/online-giving-options

Please stay in touch! Visit www.ihmatlanta.org and click “Stay in Touch With Us” under the “Our Church” tab.

And follow us:

HELP WANTED! If you are currently celebrating mass in person, please con-sider serving as a lector, mass guide, sacristan or audio/visual technician for any of our masses. Training is provid-ed, and we guarantee you’ll find it rewarding to help your parish in this hour of need. For more information, please contact Jeff Bush at jeffbush@ihmatlanta.org or Shelly White at swhite@ihmatlanta.org. Thank you!

BLOOD DRIVE January 6 The next Red Cross blood drive is Wednesday, January 6, 3:00-8:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org. The sponsor code is: ihm. Slots are filling up fast, so take action now to reserve a time convenient for you. Contact Nikki VanDerGrinten, 770-986-4996 for as-sistance if needed. Strict Covid guidelines will be ob-served. Free Covid antibody testing will be done on all do-nations.

FROM THE SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE January 5 is the date for the Georgia runoff election. Two seats in the U.S. Senate and one seat on the Public Service Commission of Georgia are on the ballot. Polls are open from 7 am to 7 pm. ID is required and masks are strongly encouraged. To confirm your polling location, visit www.mvp.sos.ga.gov.

Early in-person voting began statewide on Monday, De-cember 14 and runs through Thursday, December 31. For detailed information about locations, days and hours of op-eration in DeKalb County, visit: www.dekalbcountyga.gov/sites/default/files/users/user2778/Advanced%20Voting %20Locations%2016.pdf.

If you are voting by mail, see DeKalb County ballot drop box locations at: www.dekalbcountyga.gov/sites/default/files/users/user2778/DeKalb%20Dropbox %20Locations%2012_6_20%20V8.pdf.

FROM IHM SCHOOL Immaculate Heart of Mary School is seeking qualified can-didates to be included on the school’s substitute teacher list. Substitute teachers are needed to teach students in grades K-8 or to serve as teacher assistants. All applicants are re-quired to attend an Archdiocesan Substitute Training in January and be drug screened. Interested candidates should send resume to Laura Cichanski, Principal, IHM School, 2855 Briarcliff Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 or email lcichanski@ihmschool.org

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD January 1 is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Cele-brate the beginning of the Year of Our Lord 2021 by hon-oring our Lord’s Mother.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass 7:00 p.m. Vigil Mass (Spanish)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1

9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m.

ANNO DOMINI MMXXI

ihmatlanta.orghttp://www.facebook.com/IHMAtlantahttp://www.twitter.com/IHMatlhttps://www.instagram.com/IHMatlanta/mailto:jeffbush@ihmatlanta.orgmailto:swhite@ihmatlanta.orgredcrossblood.orghttp://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/sites/default/files/users/user2778/Advanced%20Votinghttp://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/sites/default/files/users/user2778/Advanced%20Votinghttp://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/sites/default/files/users/user2778/Advanced%20Votinghttp://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/sites/default/files/users/user2778/DeKalb%20Dropboxhttp://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/sites/default/files/users/user2778/DeKalb%20Dropboxhttp://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/sites/default/files/users/user2778/DeKalb%20Dropboxmailto:lcichanski@ihmschool.org

Each Thursday, Dr. Louanne Bachner leads an informative and prayerful

discussion of the lectionary readings for the following Sunday. Scripture study is currently being offered on

Zoom. Contact Dr. Bachner for instructions on how to join:

bachner@juno.com

Are you interested in becoming

Catholic or learning more about the Catholic faith? Contact Drew Denton

for more information.

Director Drew Denton ddenton@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 223

Coordinator Alicia Guerrero aguerrero@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 227

Youth Minister Michele McPheely mmcpheely@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 222

Faith Formation Program Assistant Veronica Thimann vthimann@ihmatlanta.org Ext. 236

FAITH FORMATION SCHEDULE Sunday, December 27 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY: No faith formation programs this week or January 3. All classes will resume on Sunday, January 10. Happy New Year!

COMING UP AT EMORY’S AQUINAS CENTER: PARISH LIFE, PANDEMICS, AND THE PEOPLE OF GOD Wednesday, January 13, 7:00pm to 8:30pm A free webinar from the Aquinas Center of Theology Speaker: Susan Reynolds, Ph.D. , Assistant Professor of Cath-olic Studies at Candler School of Theology Registration and Webinar Link: https://bit.ly/aquinas_reynolds This event is co-sponsored by Commonweal Magazine.

O God, Trinity of love, from the profound communion of your divine life,

pour out upon us a torrent of fraternal love. Grant us the love reflected in the actions of Jesus,

in his family of Nazareth, and in the early Christian community.

Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti (2020)

mailto:bachner@juno.comhttps://bit.ly/aquinas_reynolds

REMINDERS FOR YOUTH GROUP We are on Christmas break from Dec. 27 to Jan. 3. When we return to sessions January 10, all of the youth group will be online for the winter. Please make sure you know your new online meeting time. We hope you all stay safe and enjoy the Christmas season with those you love whether near or far, we are blessed to have technology to be able to connect at times like these.

STAY CONNECTED! Teens and parents, follow us on Faceook for reminders, up-dates, and some uplifting/inspirational videos. Follow us on Instagram for powerful daily scripture verses and uplifting images.

CONFIRMATION/DECISION POINT When we return back to session after the Christmas break, our specific Confirma-tion Prep classes, Decision Point, will begin. These sessions are for high schoolers who are in their second year of preparation. Parents, please make sure that at this time you have turned in: your teen's Baptism Certificate, their saint re-flection, and Sponsor Form. The first session will be January 10th. Last, make sure you have chosen your time for your teen to meet in small group. If you have any questions, email Michele: mmcpheely@ihmatlanta.org. We look forward to walking this journey with our IHM Confirmandi!

HAVE YOU SHOWN LOVE TODAY? Don’t forget Mark 12:30-31—love God above all else, love others and love yourself. “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” John 13:35. We ask that you please pray for our ministry—our teens and our leaders—for safety, health and to grow in rela-tion with God through Jesus.

2-Time National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence · www.ihmschool.org

IHM SCHOOL IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for the 2021-22 school year. Apply online at www.ihmschool.org/admissions. To schedule a tour email admissions@ihmschool.org or contact our Admissions Direc-tor, Meaghan Schroeder, at 404-636-4488.

mailto:mmcpheely@ihmatalanta.org?subject=Confirmation/Decision%20Pointhttp://www.ihmschool.org/admissionsmailto:admissions@ihmschool.org

La segunda colecta de este fin de semana es para las obras de caridad Católicas.

Debido a la impresión temprana, los núme-

ros de ofertorio no están disponibles en este momento.

Los padres DEBEN registrarse antes en la oficina parroquial; en ese momento

recibirán la fecha de la plática correspondiente y del bautismo. Al

registrarse deben entregar copia del Acta de Nacimiento de la persona que va a ser

bautizada.

Llamar al Padre Carlos Ortega y hacer cita para hablar de los requisitos, por lo menos

6 meses antes de la fecha deseada.

Disponible por cita con un sacerdote.

Si no eres católico (a) o si eres mayor de 18 años y no has recibido los sacramentos de

Bautismo, Primera Comunión y Confirmación, te invitamos a aprender más

acerca de nuestra fe. Comuníquese con Alicia Guerrero en la oficina parroquial.

La Licenciada Marianela Matheus es una Terapeuta Certificada en Salud Mental en el Estado de Georgia y en Terapia de Juego a

Nivel Nacional y proveerá sus Servicios para Adultos, parejas y Niños en la Iglesia. Si

desea hacer una cita puede contactarla al 678-310-8122.

Llamar a la parroquia por lo menos 6 meses antes de la fecha deseada

Sirácidas 3:2-6, 12-14 Colonienses 3:2-6, 12-14

Lucas 2:22-40

DONACION DE SANGRE 6 de enero La donacion de sangre programada de la Cruz Roja tendrá lugar el miércoles 6 de enero de 3:00pm a 8:00pm. Para programar una cita debe registrarse en redcrossblood.org. El código de patrocinador: ihm. Las reservaciones se están llenando rápidamente, así que tome medidas ahora para reservar un tiempo conveniente para usted. (siempre puede cancelar o reprogramar). Se observarán estrictas pautas de Covid. Las pruebas gratuitas de anticuerpos de Covid se realizarán en todas las donaciones de manera gratuita.

HORARIO DE FORMACIÓN DE FE Domingo, Diciembre 27 FIESTAS NAVIDEÑAS: No habrá programas de formación de fe esta semana, 27 de diciembre o 3 de enero. Todas las clases se reanudarán el domingo 10 de enero. ¡Felices Fiestas!

SOLEMNIDAD DE SANTA MARIA, MADRE DE DIOS El 1 de enero es la Solemnidad de Santa Maria, Madre de Dios. Celebre el co-mienzo del Año de Nuestro Señor 2021 honrando a la Madre de Nuestro Señor.

JUEVES 31 DE DICIEMBRE

5:00 p.m. (ingles) 7:00 p.m. (español)

VIERNES 1 DE ENERO

9:00 a.m. (ingles) 11:30 a.m. (ingles)

redcrossblood.org